And he and many other teachers at a jobs fair for laid-off teachers suspect it’s all about the bottom line.

“The whole philosophy is children first. But I believe the budget has come first and that’s taken its toll on our students,” former physical education teacher Christine Kijowski says.

But Byrd-Bennett says it’s likely that online offerings will expand.

“It’s the way in which blended learning and teaching is going for the 21st century across the country,” she says.

School officials say all online courses are taught by a state-certified “virtual teacher.” Art students email or scan their work to teachers. Gym students have a mentor who works with them as they complete a fitness log.

Mike Puccinelli serves as a general assignment reporter for CBS 2 Chicago.
Puccinelli joined CBS 2 Chicago in December 2004. Previously, Puccinelli served as anchor/reporter for WMC-TV in Memphis, Tenn. (1999-2004). Prior to that, he worked for...